The legislators on Wednesday called for a CBI probe into the mysterious deaths in the Budhal area of Rajouri.
Raising a supplementary question, Javed Iqbal Choudhary, MLA Budhal, said that the deaths appeared to be the result of a conspiracy, as different chemicals were traced in various samples.
“The exact cause of the deaths is still unknown. A CBI inquiry is necessary to determine the cause and rule out any conspiracy,” Choudhary said.
CPI(M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami emphasized that the issue should concern the entire House. He said that the Health Department had provided all possible assistance to the victims.
“But it is crucial to identify the exact cause of these deaths and investigate whether an invisible hand was behind them. If so, it must be exposed,” Tarigami said.
Participating in the discussion, Choudhary Akram, MLA Surankote, also demanded a CBI inquiry.
Meanwhile, Sakina Itoo, Minister for Health and Medical Education, informed the House that an enquiry by the Home Department was already underway.
“We will decide on the next course of action once the department submits its report,” she said.
Notably, 16 people died in Budhal between November and January due to a mysterious illness. Later, neurotoxins were found in the samples of the deceased.